Monthly Archives: December 2009

Posted in Northern Virginia Real Estate

Tagged Ed Butler, RE/MAX Gateway, Realtors, VREBC

10 Tips for Staying Organized in 2010

Posted on December 30, 2009 | Leave a comment

If you’re like most people, one thing that always makes your New Year’s resolution list is, “Get more organized.” In today’s hectic and often challenging lifestyle pace, staying organized provides an important sense of control and ensures you stay on track toward important goals.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I know that organization is the key to success, both at home and on the job. So as 2009 draws to a close, here are 10 tips for kicking off a well-organized year:

•Box it up right – Begin by stowing away the holiday décor in well-marked and sorted boxes. Try using empty wine cartons (you can probably get them free from your local liquor store) for fragile ornaments, and buy a few plastic storage cases that can be stacked and stored out of the way.
•Make some lists – Add any new names to your card and gift list, so that you are ready for next year.
•Get a new calendar – first, transfer in all birthdays and other important dates you want to be sure to remember.
•Schedule it – then begin scheduling annual medical, dental and veterinarian appointments for the family and pets, and note any other dates you want to remember, such as car maintenance, registration times, etc.
•Get it on sale – Get a head start on next year by taking advantage of after-holiday sales on wrapping paper, cards and gifts.
•Budget for next year – Take a look at your receipts to see how much you spent this year; then divide by twelve and begin a savings plan to help you get there stress-free.
•Hidden agenda – Designate a private spot for storing gifts you buy when they are on sale during the year. Keep a note in your wallet listing what you buy and for whom.
•Be tax ready – Create a folder or storage box for all receipts, check stubs, and other materials you will need when tax season rolls around. Make this the year you throw everything into the designated file or box.
•Be car ready – Keep a box in your trunk to hold blankets, umbrellas, diapers, flashlight and anything else you may want to have handy in an emergency.
•Check on your resolutions – Keep a written list of what you want to accomplish this year: losing weight, eating better, exercising, or even being more organized. Check the list each month to see how well you are doing.

While it seems impossible at times, staying organized is simpler than you think—and the rewards are tremendous—so forward these great tips to your family and friends. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2010 and be sure to e-mail me for any real estate-related assistance you may need in the New Year.

Ed Butler
(Licensed In Virginia)
RE/MAX Gateway
Two Offices For Your Convenience

7521 Virginia Oaks Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155

Brambleton Office Coming
Summer of 2010

4090-B Lafayette Center Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

When It’s SOLD, The Butler Did It!

Posted in Real Esate Information

Tagged Ed Butler, RE/MAX Gateway, Real Estate

The 2009-2010 Homebuyer Tax Credit ~ What’s It All About? Do You Know?

Posted on December 22, 2009 | Leave a comment

What’s it all about? Learn about the new, enhanced 2009-2010 homebuyer tax credit. Do you qualify? Contact Me Today to find out and to get more information.

Ed Butler
(Licensed In Virginia)
RE/MAX Gateway
Two Offices For Your Convenience

7521 Virginia Oaks Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155

Brambleton Office Coming
Summer of 2010

4090-B Lafayette Center Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

When It’s SOLD, The Butler Did It!

Posted in $8000 Tax Credit, Buyers, First Time Homebuyers, Market Information, Real Esate Information

Tagged Ed Butler, First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, Gainesville VA, Gainesville Virginia, Haymarket VA, Haymarket Virginia, Homebuyer Tax Credit, Mortgage Information, Real Estate, Real Estate Information

South Riding Community News ~ Snow Removal and Trash Pickup

Posted on December 21, 2009 | Leave a comment

A Message From South Riding

The Proprietary continues to work on snow removal on SRP streets. Equipment failure due to the weight of the snow slowed progress this weekend, but plowing will continue today.

AAA Trash and Recycling will pick up trash today as regularly scheduled UNLESS your street is impassable or the trucks cannot safely drive down the street. The next scheduled trash pickup day is Thursday, December 24th.

Ed Butler
(Licensed In Virginia)
RE/MAX Gateway
Two Offices For Your Convenience

7521 Virginia Oaks Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155

Brambleton Office Coming
Summer of 2010

4090-B Lafayette Center Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

When It’s SOLD, The Butler Did It!

Posted in Community Information, South Riding, South Riding VA

Tagged Ed Butler, RE/MAX Gateway, Real Estate, South Riding, South Riding VA, VA

Do you Want to ‘Move-Up’? The Clock Is Running!

Posted on December 17, 2009 | Leave a comment

Buying A Home & Getting The Tax Credit? Time Is Running Out! While you’ve probably heard a lot in the media about the government’s efforts to rejuvenate the housing market with the first-time home buyer tax credit, you might have missed the fact that the most recent expansion of the legislation also includes a $6,500 credit for current homeowners who want to purchase a new home…commonly referred to as “moving up.”

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I’ve worked with many homeowners who have wanted to move to a new home over the past year, but have stayed put due to a lack of confidence in the market. Now, however, thanks to the tax advantages of the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, these homeowners are moving off the sidelines and purchasing the homes they’ve always wanted.

But the time to act is now—there is only a short window of opportunity! The move-up buyer credit expires in April of 2010, which means you must contract and close on your home purchase by June 30, 2010. As you know, selecting a home is not a simple process, so start your search now so you don’t miss the deadline.

For starters, here are the key facts you need to know about the move-up buyer tax credit:

A qualified current homeowner who wishes to move to a different home (a “move-up” buyer) must have owned and resided in their residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight. It’s not enough that you have been homeowners for five years—you must have been in the same home for five consecutive years.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with a joint income up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit. According to Goldman Sachs, these income limits make approximately 70% of current homeowners eligible for the credit.
The maximum credit amount for current homeowners is $6,500. Under the new legislation, a tax credit may only be issued for homes purchased for $800,000 or less.
Even though the term “move-up” is used to describe these buyers, the credit is not predicated on buying a home of higher value than your current home.
Move-up buyers are not required to sell their current home to qualify for the credit. They must reside in the new home for at least three years, but they can keep their existing home and either leave it vacated or use it for rental purposes.

These are just a few of the key facts surrounding the move-up buyer tax credit. If you would like to find out more, including whether or not you are eligible for the credit, please e-mail me. Be sure to forward this email to all your homeowner friends so they can take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.